For Members

Membership Categories

As the world has changed, so has the scope of professional photography. Professional photographers today work with still and motion imagery and often employ a wide range of business models that combine photography with related skillsets such as retouching, CGI, editing, graphic design, web design, directing, producing, teaching, writing, publishing and more. ASMP members represent the full spectrum of the profession. Whether you are a professional, a student or somewhere in between, you’ll find a membership level that’s right for you within the categories below. View the Membership Benefits Chart that lists the benefits for each membership tier.

Professional Member

Professional Membership is reserved for still and motion photographers of good moral character and reputation who have been actively and consistently engaged in professional practice for at least 3 years. Professional Members have full voting privileges, may serve on the ASMP National Board of Directors, and receive three free portfolios in ASMP’s searchable database, Find a Photographer.

Note: Sponsorship is no longer a requirement for Professional Membership. Please disregard sponsorship references in any application form. Any questions, please contact ASMP Member Services by email at asmp@vpassociations.com or by phone at 877.771.2767.

Associate Member

Still and motion photographers with less than 3 years of consistent professional experience, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professional who does not meet the criteria for the Professional Member category, may join ASMP as an Associate Member. Associate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Studio Group – NEW in 2018

Photographic and artist studios can now join as a group and receive a substantial discount off individual member rates! A Studio Group consists of one Professional ASMP member and between two and ten Associate Members. When you join as a group, Professional Member rates remain at $335 per year, but Associate member rates are discounted from $225 to $150 per member per year!

Your Studio Group’s Professional member will have access to the Find A Photographer tool and be able to establish a Portfolio that can include the Studio Group’s work. This is a great way to feature ALL the expertise your studio brings.

To register your studio as a Studio Group, download and complete the Studio Form and scan and email to info@asmp.org. Please include “Group Membership” in the subject line of your email. We’ll need to capture contact information for each of your group members so please have all the info ready before contacting us. You can also call Member Services at 1-877-771-ASMP (2767) if you prefer to provide your credit card info over the phone.

Emerging Associate

Still and motion photographers, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professionals, who are just starting out may participate in the Emerging Associate membership category. Members may remain at this level for two years before upgrading to Associate level. Emerging Associate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Individual Affiliate

Individuals who support, hire or supply services to photographers and do not qualify for any other category of membership may join as Individual Affiliate Members. Individual Affiliate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Educator Associate

Educators who do not operate a professional still or motion photography business (and therefore do not qualify for Professional Membership) are eligible for Educator Associate membership. Educator Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter. Educator applicants must annually submit proof of employment. Proof of employment will be obtained during the online checkout process. You will need to provide the below information:

Student Associate

Students majoring in photography or related imaging professions at a college or post-secondary level are eligible for Student Associate membership. After completing a degree program, Student Associates may upgrade immediately or remain at this level for one additional year after completing degree program. Student Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter. Student applicants must annually submit proof of enrollment. Proof of enrollment will be obtained during the online checkout process. You will need to provide the below information:

Educator/Student Group – NEW in 2018

Academic institutions can now join with an entire class of students as an Educator/Student Group and receive a substantial discount off individual member rates! An Educator/Student Group consists of one Educator Associate Member and between five and fifteen Student Associate Members. When you join as a group, Educator Associate Member rates will be discounted from $95 to $90 per year, and Student member rates are discounted from $45 to just $40 per member per year!

All members of your University Student Group will have a login to the ASMP site and therefore have access to all the industry and business materials that ASMP has been collecting for decades.

Please include “Group Membership” in the subject line of your email. We’ll need to capture contact information on each of your group members so please have all the info ready before contacting us. You can also call Member Services at 1-877-771-ASMP (2767) if you prefer to provide your credit card info over the phone.